Thirteen inmates were injured in a clash between two groups at the Siraha District Prison on Sunday morning.

The confrontation reportedly broke out between inmates under the control of Vijay Mahato—who is serving time for a homicide conviction and oversees internal administration at the prison—and other prisoners.

Assistant Chief District Officer Chetaraj Baral said the injured are being treated at the Provincial Hospital in Siraha.

“We are currently focused on ensuring treatment. The cause of the clash is being investigated,” he said.

A prison source said Mahato and his group had been illegally extorting money from fellow inmates. One inmate claimed that repeated complaints were filed with the concerned authorities, but no action was taken.

“Despite our complaints, the extortion continued. When no one listened, a clash was inevitable,” the inmate said.

Past allegations against the inmates’ group leader include involvement in the sale of alcohol and drugs, as well as illegal money collection.

A committee led by a deputy superintendent of police had previously investigated these allegations and submitted a report recommending legal action against more than a dozen inmates and officers assigned to prison security.

However, the Siraha administration has reportedly delayed implementing the committee’s recommendations.